Machine tool way cover and method of manufacturing same

Abstract

A machine tool way cover and method for manufacturing same with reduced material and labor cost. The present invention is machine tool way cover which is adapted to expand and contract over a transmission platform of the machine tool so as to protect the machinery contained therein from solid and liquid contaminants generated or expelled from the machine tool. A plurality of individual boxes are telescopingly connected to form the expandable way cover and each includes a back panel attached to an enclosure. The enclosure includes a plurality of tabs which are matingly received into apertures provided in the back panel and which are then bent perpendicular to the enclosure to hold the back panel firmly thereto. In order to prevent coolant and other liquid matter from passing between the back panel and the enclosure, an adhesive sealing strip is applied over the apertures of the back panel before the tabs of the enclosure are inserted therethrough.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A machine tool way cover having a plurality of telescopingly connected enclosures, each enclosure comprising: a first member having an integral top, first side, and second side, the first side, and second side having tabs extending therefrom;   a back panel having a top, first side and second side, the back panel perpendicularly connected to the first member, the back panel having a plurality of apertures adapted to matingly receive the first member tabs; and   a sealing strip disposed between the first member and the back panel.   
     
     
       2. The machine tool way cover of claim 1 wherein the sealing strip is adhesive polyurethane tape. 
     
     
       3. The machine tool way cover of claim 1 further including guide members having low coefficients of friction attached to the top, first side, and second sides and adapted to ride on a surface of a machine tool as the machine tool way cover expands and contracts. 
     
     
       4. The machine tool way cover of claim 1 wherein the guide members are plastic. 
     
     
       5. The machine tool way cover of claim 1 wherein the first member top includes a front edge and a replaceable wiper, the replaceable wiper being attached to the front edge and being adapted to ride against the top of an adjoining first member top. 
     
     
       6. The machine tool way cover of claim 5 wherein the replaceable wiper is attached to the first member top by a grooved body fixedly attached to the first member top, the wiper having a ridge adapted to be slidably received within the grooved body to allow removal and attachment of the wiper.